Law Enforcement Officers Dismantle Anti-Israel Encampment at UCLA

Over 130 anti-Israel protesters were arrested as law enforcement officials from multiple agencies moved in to break up an "unlawful encampment" on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

On Thursday morning, over 130 anti-Israel protesters were arrested after law enforcement officers dismantled an "unlawful encampment" on the campus of UCLA. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) assisted the UCLA Police Department in the operation, which followed a mutual aid request from the university.

Hundreds of California Highway Patrol officers descended upon the campus, donning protective gear and wielding batons to separate themselves from the demonstrators. The protesters, wearing helmets and gas masks, chanted slogans and resisted arrest.

Law enforcement officials cleared barricades after protesters defied orders to leave. Some individuals were detained with zip ties. The action came after officers spent hours threatening arrests over loudspeakers if people did not disperse. A crowd of over 1,000 had gathered on campus, both inside and outside the barricaded encampment, in support of the protesters.

As police advanced, anti-Israel agitators shoved and scuffled with them. The air was filled with the sound of flash-bangs, which produced a bright light and a loud noise. Protesters chanted, "Where were you last night?" at the officers, referring to Tuesday night's incident when counter-protesters attacked the encampment and the UCLA administration and campus police took hours to respond.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were detained on the UCLA campus as law enforcement officials worked to break up the encampment. Iranian state television and Qatar's Al Jazeera satellite network broadcast live images of the police action, while Israeli television networks also aired footage of the Los Angeles campus.

Earlier, law enforcement officers in riot gear had entered the plywood-surrounded encampment at around 1:54 a.m. local time after hours of a tense standoff. After initially withdrawing, police re-engaged in a standoff with the protesters.

Some protesters resisted by throwing water bottles and other objects at the officers as dozens ran back. Widespread cheers could be heard as police regrouped outside the encampment and the plywood barrier was put back up.

Over an hour later, California Highway Patrol officers returned in full riot gear and stood within feet of the protesters, who continued to throw objects and yell. More than 100 protesters moved to block a side entrance to the encampment as police advanced.

Law enforcement made a massive display, sending in columns of officers to close in on all sides of the encampment. Repeated explosions – believed to be flash bangs – were heard going off as law enforcement in riot gear stood outside the fortified encampment.

"We're not leaving," "Shame," and "We do not consent to a search," could be heard coming from the protesters. Power drills were heard throughout the night as the protesters continued to reinforce the barrier separating them from law enforcement.

UCLA required classes to be held remotely on Thursday and Friday amid the "emergency on campus." Law enforcement sources stated that the LAPD and surrounding agencies were not requested for assistance until after midnight.

On Wednesday evening, violence erupted on campus around 11 p.m. local time. LAPD sources indicated that they are prohibited from responding to the campus unless formally requested by UCLA.

"The violence unfolding this evening at UCLA is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable. LAPD has arrived on campus," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated.

Empty buses were parked near UCLA to remove protesters who did not comply with the dispersal order. The law enforcement presence and warnings stood in contrast to the incident the night before, when counter-demonstrators attacked the encampment.

UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block condemned the attack on the encampment and pledged a thorough investigation. By Wednesday afternoon, a large encampment had been established on the campus quad, where protesters chanted slogans and prepared for possible use of pepper spray or tear gas.

The chancellor had not addressed the incident unfolding Thursday morning. Michael Dorgan, Alexandria Hernandez, Elizabeth Pritchett, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.